Will Smith to Headline Ridley Scott-Produced NFL Concussions Project

Will Smith is, according to Variety, set to headline an upcoming film that focuses on concussions in the NFL. Announced last fall as a potential directing project for Ridley Scott, the still-untitled film will now be both written and directed by Parkland helmer Peter Landesman.

Based on Jeanne Marie Laskas’ 2009 GQ article “Game Brain” (you can read it in its entirety right here), the film will provide a narrative that explores the long-term effects of concussions among professional football players. Smith will play Dr. Bennet Omalu, a real-world forensic neuropathologist whose research has helped bring attention to the issue.

The news of Smith’s involvement comes just days after the actor dropped out of Legendary Pictures’ superhero tale, Brilliance.

Scott is still attached to produce the new film alongside Giannina Facio and Michael Schaefer.